CHAPTER SIXTEEN: CONCILIATION, AGITATION, AND MIGRATION: AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY

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1 CHAPTER SIXTEEN: CONCILIATION, AGITATION, AND MIGRATION: AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY CHAPTER SUMMARY The early 20 th century provoked a great variety of responses from blacks to their situation. As leadership evolved and developed, blacks discussed different ways of improving the status of their race. Booker T. Washington was probably the most influential black leader during the first decade of the 20 th century. He stressed an acceptance of subordination and segregation, while hoping blacks would work toward economic opportunity as a way to prove themselves. Other black leaders, led by W.E.B. DuBois, harshly criticized Washington s approach, feeling instead that the elite of black society should agitate, protest and fight within the system to change American society. DuBois saw voting rights as a preeminent need of black citizens, forming the Niagara Movement and assisting with the formation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to further his goals. Washington retaliated quickly against these rival groups, sending in spies to meetings, paying for negative publicity and even filtering information to racist whites to further his cause. Despite these tactics, the NAACP flourished and gained members in the early 20 th century, especially following Washington s death in Other groups also formed to assist blacks in various struggles. Black women formed numerous clubs, assisting the poor and ill and providing living accommodations for working class women as well. Frustrated with Republican Party inattention, blacks also attempted to find a more suitable party, but neither the Progressives, nor Woodrow Wilson lived up to expectations. In another attempt to resist and defuse racism, blacks also served in World War I in large numbers, although they continued to encounter racism and difficulties. Blacks also reacted during the decade around World War I by moving North in huge numbers, both to escape conditions in the South and for better economic opportunities, forming vibrant communities in areas like Chicago and Harlem. This migration produced widespread racial tension and rioting throughout the North and South. Cities like Houston, Chicago and East St. Louis experienced riots over conflicts for job resources, white racism and segregation. The tense events proved that violence, racism and discrimination were certainly not limited to the rural South. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Understand the views, approach and background of Booker T. Washington for advancement of blacks in early twentieth century America. Understand the views, approach and background of W. E. B. DuBois for advancement of blacks in early twentieth century America. Understand the origins and tactics of early civil rights groups, including the Niagara Movement, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Urban League, the women s club movement, as well as the development of the black elite. Understand the role of black men in the military during World War I, as well as the backlash against blacks in the early twentieth century. Understand the factors and motivations behind the rush of migration in the early twentieth century, as well as conditions for black families in urban areas like Chicago and Harlem. 205

2 Chapter 16 Conciliation, Agitation, and Migration: African Americans in the Early Twentieth Century I. Introduction CHAPTER OUTLINE II. Race and the Progressive Movement A. Origins of the Reform Movement B. Reasons for Hope III. Booker T. Washington s Approach A Speech/Ideas B. Supporters/Critics C. Washington s Influence 1. Political Ability 2. Support from white businessmen D. The Tuskegee Machine 1. Washington s political role 2. Influence with Roosevelt 3. Secret political activities 4. National Negro Business League E. Opposition to Washington 1. Afro-American League 2. William Monroe Trotter IV. W. E. B. DuBois A. Background B. Differences with Washington 2. Ideas C. Washington s Attempt at Unity D. DuBois and the Talented Tenth V. The Niagara Movement A. Background/Views B. Washington s Reaction C. Internal Dissent VI. The NAACP A. White s roles B. Origins with Villard C. Using the System 1. Court cases - voting 2. Segregation and lynching D. DuBois and the Crisis 1. Role with the NAACP 2. Assertive language E. Washington versus the NAACP 1. Mild attempts at reconciliation 2. Attempts to destroy 3. Results 206

3 VII. The Urban League VIII. Black Women and the Club Movement A. Early Social Clubs B. Efforts to Solve Social Problems C. Origins of the National Colored Women s League D. The National Association of Colored Women: Lifting as we climb 1. Growth 2. Goals/problems E. Phillis Wheatley Clubs F. Anna Julia Cooper and Black Feminism G. Women s Suffrage 1. Historical support 2. Support in state campaigns IX. The Black Elite A. The American Negro Academy B. The Upper Class 1. Black aristocrats 2. Social organizations C. Fraternities and Sororities X. Presidential Politics A. Historical Support of Republicans B. Frustrated by the Republicans 1. Republican actions 2. Progressives actions C. Woodrow Wilson 1. Black Expectations 2. Reality XI. Black Men and the Military in World War I A. The Punitive Expedition to Mexico 2. Actions B. World War I 1. Black support 2. White reaction to black servic e C. Black Troops and Officers 1. Statistics 2. Black Officer Training School 3. Young s Experiences D. Discrimination and its Effects 1. Poor Conditions 2. Menial Tasks 3. Poor Performance th Infantry 4. Distinguished Performance th Infantry 5. Reaction of French 6. Return home 207

4 Chapter 16 Conciliation, Agitation, and Migration: African Americans in the Early Twentieth Century E. DuBois s Disappointment 1. Close Ranks speech 2. Come back fighting attitude XII. Race Riots A. Backlash Against Blacks B. Atlanta Riot Events 3. Black leadership s reaction 4. Results C. Springfield 1908 D. East St. Louis Events 3. Reaction from NAACP E. Houston Segregation 2. Treatment by police 3. Outcome F. Chicago E. Williams s Death 3. Outcome G. Elaine 1919 H. Tulsa 1921 I. Rosewood 1923 XIII. The Great Migration A. Statistics B. Why Migrate? 1. Push and pull 2. Reaction against white Southerners 3. Reaction of blacks 4. Advantages of North 5. Individual decisions C. Destinations 1. Common paths 2. Reality of new homes XIV. Northern Communities A. Legal versus Actual Conditions B. Chicago 1. Black opportunities 2. Surge of black population 3. Black institutions 4. Blacks in politics 5. Racial tensions C. Harlem 1. Over building in area 208

5 2. Influx of blacks 3. Black institutions XV. Families A. Strains B. Opportunities for Men C. Opportunities for Women XVI. Conclusion